Gobble Gobble!

Today I’m thankful for…

Being engaged to my best friend.

My sister - she is totally amazing.

My family who I feel close to, even though we are celebrating a few states away.

Our kitten, Skwisgaar, who always has love to give.

The friends we have all over the country.

All of the new friends that we have made since we have moved.

My awesome job and team!

Having an awesome family cruise to look forward to!

Health and happiness in this season of joy. 

Aaron and I went to a Friendsgiving last Sunday at our friend Cassie's house to celebrate before our friends went out of town. We are staying in Raleigh and celebrating our first Thanksgiving on our own. We are starting new traditions and honoring standing ones. 

We ordered our Thanksgiving meal online from Honey Baked Ham. When I went to the store to pick it up yesterday there were cops stationed out front to make sure no one would run off with a free turkey, crazy! 

We are going to enjoy free movie channels, go see a movie, video chat with friends & family, give Skwisgaar his first taste of turkey, and enjoy a festive meal in our new home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Weekend, In Snapshots

 

On Friday Aaron was at a training seminar with his coworkers at their downtown office so he came to my office for the first time to check it out. I showed him around and then we walked over to the Hiberian Pub where we me one of Aaron's coworkers and her boyfriend for pints and dinner. 

After dinner we came back to the apartment to relax and I played a little hide-and-seek with Mr. Skwisgaar.  We have been leaving him out in the apartment during the day since he is a little bigger now. He has been doing a great job, nothing chewed to bits or turned over. We had once day when he tried to run out the front door when he came home, but I think he got really scared and hasn't tried it since.

On Saturday Aaron and I went downtown because we heard about an annual Handmade Market at Cobblestone Hall (which was one of our potential venue options). First we stopped at the Morning Times for coffee (first visit!) and of course it was delicious.

As we walked through the market we saw beautiful pottery, unique jewelry, and homemade cookies that were the size of my face! 

Outside of the market there were more tables set up and we met Jenny, the owner of Slingshot Coffee and we tried a taste of her cold brew seasonal coffee that she was passing out.

A selection of beautiful enamel necklaces at the Handmade market.

After we left Cobblestone Hall we walked around town for a bit and went to a few shops that I had on my Yelp bookmarked list. We walked through the art galleries in the City Market area then went to Deco and finally to Kindred.

On Sunday I woke up early and went to Starbucks to pick up an Eggnog Latte (for me) and a Chai Latte (for Aaron). I have been working my way through the Starbucks holiday offerings. Conclusion - the Eggnog Latte is not for me. 

I made brunch when I got home then we decided to drive over to out local Bed, Bath & Beyond to start our wedding registry. We got there around 11am and didn't leave until 3! 

We met with the registry consultant and then walked around the entire store with the scanner. We talked about things we will need in the near future for our apartment as well as the distant future for a house and future tiny Manassas (that is what the tiny box grater is for, obviously).

Hope you had a good weekend!

Simply Saturday

Moving Forward

Happy November! I went to vote at our local community center after work this past Wednesday. It was the first time that I have ever gone to vote in person (not absentee) since I actually now live in the same state where I am registered to vote.

Since I have been well decided on my Presidential candidate since 2008 I wanted to vote early to avoid waiting in any lines. Well guess what I found when I arrived at the polling place - a line! The coordinating volunteer told us that there has been a steady line every day since early voting opened up. 

So far over 2 Million registered North Carolinian's have cast their votes and I suspect even more will go tomorrow before early voting closes.

As we are moving forward into the end of the year (whhhaaat!?) I have been thinking about some of my favorite parts of November and this season.

Looking Forward to in November

1. Our first designated relaxing weekend since we moved to Raleigh.
2. Family dinners with our friends.
3. Putting together our 3rd bookshelf for the guest room.
4. Baking pumpkin bread. 
5. Wearing my new boots.
6. Seeing Fun in concert!
7. Researching a wedding photographer.
8. Planning our December Engagement dinner in Tampa
9. Getting cozy on the couch and watching our favorite Fall shows
10. Listening to Christmas music on the radio.
11. Having a few days off for Thanksgiving.
12. Celebrating with Aaron. 
13. Video chatting with our families.
14. Taking Elsie's Blog (Design) Love E-course
15. Decorating our apartment for the holidays.

What are you looking forward to in November?